Extendable Interlocking Structures and Methods

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure include extendable structures and methods of forming an extendable structure. In accordance with an embodiment, an extendable structure includes a first chain of interlocking components including a first interlocking component, a second chain of interlocking components including a second interlocking component configured to mate to the bottom surface the first interlocking component, and a third chain of interlocking components including a third interlocking component configured to mate to the bottom surfaces of the first interlocking component and the second interlocking component. The extendable structure may include more than three chains of interlocking components and each chain of interlocking components may comprise three or more interlocking components.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/838,734, entitled “Extendable Interlocking Structures and Methods,”filed on Mar. 15, 2013, which application is hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND

Extendable structures are a common occurrence and have applications inthe industrial, commercial, consumer, and military markets. For example,an extendable structure may be used to position a cutting torch. Thestructure could also be used as an adjustable stop for locating materialcoming off of a conveyor. In a different application, the extension ofthe structure could engage in a properly sized hole, thus serving as alocking mechanism. Another example may be to mount electronic packageson an extendable structure including sensor devices, antennas, cameras,microphones, or the like for collecting data and/or transmitting data.Additionally, it could be used for entertainment or show purposes suchthat a structure may rise out of a stage or platform.

Various methods of producing extendable structures include telescopingstructures, adding discrete sections to extend a structure, or ascissor-like structure. These structures, however, have limited finallength based on the initial structure length, have non-uniformexteriors, have discrete length intervals, and/or require largefootprints.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment, an extendable structure includes afirst chain of interlocking components including a first interlockingcomponent, a second chain of interlocking components including a secondinterlocking component configured to mate to the bottom surface thefirst interlocking component, and a third chain of interlockingcomponents including a third interlocking component configured to mateto the bottom surfaces of the first interlocking component and thesecond interlocking component.

In accordance with another embodiment, an extendable structure includesa first interlocking component. The first interlocking componentincludes a top face, a bottom face opposite the top face, the bottomface comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion,the second portion being laterally between the first and third portions,a planar inner face intersecting the top face and the bottom face, theplanar inner face including a short planar inner face and a tall planarinner face, the short planar inner face being laterally adjacent thetall planar inner face, a tall angled inner face intersecting the firstand second portions of the bottom face, and a short angled inner faceintersecting the second and third portions of the bottom face. The firstinterlocking component further includes an outer face intersecting thetop face, the bottom face, the tall angled inner face, and the shortangled inner face, a first ridge along the intersection between the topface and the planar inner face, a first groove along the intersectionbetween the tall angled inner face and the first portion of the bottomface, and a second groove along the intersection between the shortangled inner face and the third portion of the bottom face.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of erecting anextendable structure includes joining a first interlocking component toa cap, the joining the first interlocking component includes mating atop face and planar inner faces of the first interlocking component tothe cap, joining a second interlocking component to the cap and thefirst interlocking component, the joining the second interlockingcomponent includes mating a top face of the second interlockingcomponent to bottom faces of the cap and the first interlockingcomponent, and mating planar inner faces of the second interlockingcomponent to the cap and to angled inner faces of the first interlockingcomponent. The method further includes joining a third interlockingcomponent to the cap, the first interlocking component, and the secondinterlocking component, the joining the third interlocking componentincludes mating a top face of the third interlocking component to bottomfaces of the cap, the first interlocking component, and the secondinterlocking component, and mating planar inner faces of the thirdinterlocking component to angled inner faces of the first and the secondinterlocking components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptionstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A through 1D illustrate perspective views of an interlockingcomponent according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the interlocking component in FIGS. 1Athrough 1D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of the interlocking component in FIGS.1A through 1D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the interlocking component in FIGS.1A through 1D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2D illustrates a side view of the interlocking component in FIGS.1A through 1D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2E illustrates a front view of the interlocking component in FIGS.1A through 1D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2F illustrates a back view of the interlocking component in FIGS.1A through 1D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an extendable structure in alowered configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the extendable structure in FIG. 3Aaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom view of the extendable structure in FIG. 3Aaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 3D illustrates a side view of the extendable structure in FIG. 3Aaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an extendable structure in anerected configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of the extendable structure in FIG. 4Aaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 4C illustrates a back view of the extendable structure in FIG. 4Aaccording to an embodiment;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate perspective views of an interlockingstructure according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of the interlocking component in FIGS. 5Aand 5B according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6B illustrates a bottom view of the interlocking component in FIGS.5A and 5B according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the interlocking component in FIGS.5A and 5B according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6D illustrates a side view of the interlocking component in FIGS.5A and 5B according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6E illustrates a front view of the interlocking component in FIGS.5A and 5B according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6F illustrates a back view of the interlocking component in FIGS.5A and 5B according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a partially erected extendablestructure according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of the extendable structure in FIG. 7Aaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 7C illustrates a bottom view of the extendable structure in FIG. 7Aaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 7D illustrates a side view of the extendable structure in FIG. 7Aaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a base for an extendablestructure according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of the base in FIG. 8A according to anembodiment;

FIG. 8C illustrates a bottom view of the base in FIG. 8A according to anembodiment;

FIG. 8D illustrates a side view of the base in FIG. 8A according to anembodiment;

FIG. 8E illustrates a perspective view of an extendable structure with abase according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 9A through 9D illustrate perspective views of an interlockingcomponent according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9E illustrates a top view of the interlocking component in FIGS. 9Athrough 9D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9F illustrates a bottom view of the interlocking component in FIGS.9A through 9D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9G illustrates a side view of the interlocking component in FIGS.9A through 9D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9H illustrates a front view of the interlocking component in FIGS.9A through 9D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9I illustrates a side view of the interlocking component in FIGS.9A through 9D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9J illustrates a back view of the interlocking component in FIGS.9A through 9D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of an extendable structure in alowered configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10B illustrates a top view of the extendable structure in FIG. 10Aaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 10C illustrates a bottom view of the extendable structure in FIG.10A according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10D illustrates a side view of the extendable structure in FIG. 10Aaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 10E illustrates a top view of the extendable structure in FIG. 10Haccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 10F illustrates a bottom view of the extendable structure in FIG.10H according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10G illustrates a side view of the extendable structure in FIG. 10Haccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 10H illustrates a perspective view of an extendable structure in anerected configuration according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 11A through 11D illustrate perspective views of an interlockingcomponent according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11E illustrates a top view of the interlocking component in FIGS.11A through 11D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11F illustrates a bottom view of the interlocking component inFIGS. 11A through 11D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11G illustrates a side view of the interlocking component in FIGS.11A through 11D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11H illustrates a front view of the interlocking component in FIGS.11A through 11D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11I illustrates a side view of the interlocking component in FIGS.11A through 11D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11J illustrates a back view of the interlocking component in FIGS.11A through 11D according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view of an extendable structure in alowered configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12B illustrates a top view of the extendable structure in FIG. 12Aaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 12C illustrates a bottom view of the extendable structure in FIG.12A according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12D illustrates a side view of the extendable structure in FIG. 12Aaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 13A illustrates a top view of the extendable structure in FIG. 13Eaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 13B illustrates a bottom view of the extendable structure in FIG.13E according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13C illustrates a side view of the extendable structure in FIG. 13Eaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 13D illustrates a side view of the extendable structure in FIG. 13Eaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 13E illustrates a perspective view of an extendable structure in anerected configuration according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment is an extendable structure includes a plurality ofinterlocking components which are linked together to form the extendablestructure. The interlocking components may be connected in series inthree or more chains of interconnecting components that become rigidwhen the chains come together and interlock. The embodiments belowdescribe a three chain structure for illustration purposes, althoughmore than three chains may be used. The chains of interlockingcomponents comprise identical interlocking components that are linkedtogether via hinges at the top and bottom of the components. Theresulting structure may be threaded, on an outer face or an inner face,such that the extension and/or retraction of the structure may bepowered by a threaded gear. The height of the structure may bemanipulated by the rotation of the threaded gear. The chains may becombined into a structure by an interlocking base. This base controlsthe orientation of the unlocked interlocking components so that theywill be aligned when interlocked with the other interlocking components.Additionally, the base can serve as the mount for affixing thestructure. The free end of the structure can be a cap, or simply thefirst interlocking components that have been interlocked. The cap couldprovide a safety mechanism to ensure the structure does not go below acertain height and could also serve as the location to mount anotherobject such as a platform, basket, electronic package, or the like. Theextendable structure may be used for any of the applications or useddescribed herein.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers areused in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or likeparts. In the drawings, the shape and thickness may be exaggerated forclarity and convenience. This description will be directed in particularto elements forming part of, or cooperating more directly with, methodsand apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. It is to beunderstood that elements not specifically shown or described may takevarious forms well known to those skilled in the art. Many alternativesand modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, onceinformed by the present disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in oneembodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout thisspecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It shouldbe appreciated that the following figures are not drawn to scale;rather, these figures are merely intended for illustration.

FIGS. 1A through 1D illustrate perspective views of an interlockingcomponent 10 according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, theinterlocking component 10 may comprise metal, plastic, wood, rubber,ceramic, the like, or a combination thereof, although any suitablematerial may be used. Examples of metals are aluminum, titanium, steel,the like, or a combination thereof. The interlocking component 10 may bea solid structure or may be a hollow structure depending on therequirements of the application.

The interlocking component 10 includes a top face 102, a bottom face 104(including 104A, 104B, and 104C), a planar inner face 106 (including ashort planar inner face 106A and a tall planar inner face 106B), anouter face 108 (including 108A, 108B, and 108C), a tall angled innerface 110, and a short angled inner face 112. A ridge 122 is at theintersection of the planar inner faces 106 and the top face 102 withcorresponding grooves 206A, 206B, and 206C (see FIG. 2B) at theintersections of the angled inner faces 110 and 112 and the bottom faces104A and 104C. The ridge 122 and the matching grooves 206A and 206C areconfigured such that the ridge 122 engages the grooves 206A and 206C ofadjacent interlocking components 10 to lock the interlocking components10 to each other (see FIGS. 4A through 4C).

The interlocking component 10 may further includes a top hinge 114 onthe top face 102, a bottom hinge 116 on the bottom face 104B, a channel118, and beveled corners 120. In some embodiments, the beveled corners120 may be omitted and the faces 108C and 106B may directly intersectand the faces 108A and 106A may directly intersect. As illustrated thechannel 118 is a threaded semicircle such that the interlockingcomponents may be manipulated by a threaded gear. In some embodiments,the channel 118 may be smooth and may comprise seals to allow it carryfluid. In some embodiments, the channel 118 may contain wires totransmit electrical or optical signals. In some other embodiments, thechannel 118 may be omitted and the short planar inner face 106A and thetall planar inner face 106B may be a single continuous planar inner face106.

The top and bottom hinges 114 and 116 link additional interlockingcomponents 10 above and below the interlocking component 10 to form achain of interlocking components 10 (see FIGS. 3A through 3D). The topand bottom hinges 114 and 116 allow rotation of the interlockingcomponents 10 such that the outer faces 108 of linked interlockingcomponents 10 will move towards each other and may be coiled. Asillustrated the top and bottom hinges 114 and 116 include openings andpins in the openings to link the interlocking components 10. The pinsmay comprise plastic, metal, wood, ceramic, rubber, the like, or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the top and bottom hinges maybe moved toward the planar inner faces 106 such that linked interlockingcomponents 10 may be coiled towards the outer faces 108 or the planarinner faces 106. In some embodiments, the top and bottom hinges 114 and116 may be covered by the interlocked components such that the hinge isnot accessible while the extendable structure is erected. In otherembodiments, the hinge may not have a pin, but instead be a connectionsuch as a snap together indent/protrusion, ball and socket joint, gimbaljoint, or other method of connecting the blocks that allows at least onedegree of freedom. In other embodiments, the top and bottom hinges 114and 116 may be omitted and a flexible material such as a tape may bealong the outer faces 108 of the interlocking components 10.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate top and bottom views, respectively, of theinterlocking component 10 according to an embodiment. As illustrated theouter face 108 comprises three sections 108A, 108B, and 108C, althoughthe outer face 108 may comprise a single continuous face (see FIGS. 6Aand 6B) or may comprise more sections as necessary. When viewed from thebottom, the interlocking component 10 may be divided into left, center,and right thirds with the grooves 206A and 206C being substantiallyalong the intersections of the adjacent thirds. In an embodiment, thecenter third is the full height of the interlocking component 10 and thetop face 102 and the bottom face 104B of the center third mate with atop face 102 and a bottom face 104B of the center thirds of adjacentlinked interlocking components 10 (see FIGS. 4A through 4C). In thisembodiment, the left third (see short interlocking element 202) is about⅓ of the height of the interlocking component 10 and the top face 102and the bottom face 104A of the left third mate with a top face 102 anda bottom face 104C of the right thirds of adjacent linked interlockingcomponents 10 (see FIGS. 4A through 4C). In this embodiment, the rightthird (see tall interlocking element 204) is about ⅔ of the height ofthe interlocking component 10 and the top face 102 and the bottom face104C of the right third mate with a top face 102 and a bottom face 104Aof the left thirds of adjacent linked interlocking components 10 (seeFIGS. 4A through 4C). As one of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand, the left and right thirds may be interchanged.

Although, the adjoining faces and structures of interlocking components10 are described as “mated,” this does not mean that the entirety of theadjoining faces or structures are in contact with each other. Rather,the adjoining faces may be designed to have a small gap between portionsof the adjoining faces to reduce manufacturing costs and allow fordebris.

FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate side views of the interlocking component 10according to an embodiment. FIGS. 2E and 2F illustrate front and backviews, respectively, of the interlocking component 10 according to anembodiment. The interlocking component 10 comprises a short interlockingelement 202 and a tall interlocking element 204. The short interlockingelement 202 comprises the outer face 108A, the short planar inner face106A, the bottom face 104A, the groove 206A, and corresponding portionsof the ridge 122 and the top face 102. The tall interlocking element 204comprise the outer face 108C, the tall planar inner face 106B, thebottom face 104C, the groove 206C, and corresponding portions of theridge 122 and the top face 102. As discussed below, the shortinterlocking element 202 and the tall interlocking element 204 mate witheach other in the erected extendable structure 30 (see FIG. 4A through4C) such that the bottom face of one mates with the top face of theother. As viewed from the bottom (see FIG. 2B), the short interlockingelement 202 and the tall interlocking element 204 have a substantiallytriangular shape.

A height H₁ (also referred to as the functional height H₁) asillustrated in FIG. 2C is the distance between the top face 102 and thebottom face 104B of the interlocking component 10. In an embodiment, theinterlocking component 10 may have an overall height H₂ that is greaterthan the functional height H₁. The functional height H₁ may be increasedto reduce the cost by reducing the number of interlocking components 10for a given height of the extendable structure 30. An increasedfunctional height H₁ may cause an increased height and width of the base(discussed below) and an increased minimum height H₃ of the extendablestructure 30 (see FIG. 3D). The functional height H₁ may be designed inaccordance with the application of the extendable structure 30. If theextendable structure 30 is to be extended and retracted using threads(see channel 118 of FIGS. 1A through 1D), the functional height H₁should be equal to the pitch of the screw multiplied by the sum of aninteger times the number of chains plus 1. For example, with 10 threadsper inch (pitch of 0.1″) and three chains, the functional height H₁could be 0.4″, 0.7″, 1.0″, 1.3″, and so on.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D illustrate a perspective view, a top view, abottom view, and a side view, respectively, of an extendable structure30 in a lowered configuration according to an embodiment. The extendablestructure 30 comprises a cap 20 attached to three chains 310A, 310B, and310C of interlocking components 10 with each chain comprising aplurality of interlocking components 10. In an embodiment, the cap 20 isat the leading end of the extendable structure 30. The bottom of the cap20 is designed to mimic three interlocking components 10 of thedifferent chains fused together in their interlocked positions. The topof the cap 20 may be adapted per the application. The cap may have anopening 302 which may align with the channel 118 of the interlockingcomponents 10. In these embodiments, the opening 302 may be threadedsimilar to the channel 118 to allow a threaded gear to extend andretract the extendable structure 30. The cap 20 may be fitted with oneor more of any number of mechanisms, such as a caster, a torch, a paintnozzle, a blade, an electronic eye, a magnet, a sensor, an electronicpackage, a camera, an antenna, a microphone, a platform, a basket, thelike, or a combination thereof.

The outer faces 108 may also be threaded or smooth (see FIGS. 6A through7C) depending on the desired functionality. The outer faces 108 mayinterface with a base (not shown) discussed below, but may not mate toanother interlocking component 10 while formed as the erected extendablestructure 30. The erected extendable structure 30 exterior face isformed by the outer faces 108 of the three chains (see FIG. 4A). Theexterior face of the extendable structure 30 can be most shapes that aresymmetric along the extending axis when divided by the number of chains.For example, in an embodiment with three chains, the exterior face ofthe extendable structure 30 can be most shapes that are symmetric inthirds along the extending axis, such as circular, triangular,curvilinear triangle, hexagonal, a six sided star, or the like. Asanother example, in an embodiment with four chains, the exterior face ofthe extendable structure 30 can be most shapes that are symmetric infourths along the extending axis, such as circular, square, octagonal,or the like. Additionally, the outer face may be irregular such as toprovide rails to allow a carriage to move up and down the structure. Insome embodiments, the extendable structure 30 may include a base 70 (seeFIGS. 8A through 8E) as described below.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate a perspective view, a front view, and aback view, respectively, of an erected extendable structure 30 accordingto an embodiment. The assembly of the erected extendable structure 30 ofFIGS. 4A through 4C will be discussed starting from extendable structure30 in a lowered configuration of FIG. 3B. FIG. 3B illustrates threechains 310A, 310B, and 310 attached to a cap 20. Each chain 310A, 310B,and 310C comprises a plurality of interlocking components 10. Each ofthe interlocking components 10 have been uniquely labeled, for example,the interlocking components 10 of the chain 310A are 310A1, 310A2,310A3, and 310A4. The other two chains 310B and 310C have similarlylabeled interlocking components 10.

Beginning the assembly of the erected extendable structure 30, the topfaces 102 of the short interlocking element 202, the tall interlockingelement 204, and the center third of component 310A1 mate with the cap20. Next, the top faces 102 of the short interlocking element 202 andcenter third of the component 310B1 mate with the cap 20, and the topface 102 of the tall interlocking element 204 of the component 310B1mates with the bottom face 104A of the short interlocking element 202 ofthe component 310A1. Additionally, the tall planar inner face 106B ofthe component 310B1 mates to the tall angled inner face 110 of thecomponent 310A1, and the ridge 122 of the tall interlocking element 204of the component 310B1 engages with the groove 206A of the component310A1. Next, the top face 102 of the short interlocking element 202 ofthe component 310C1 mates to the bottom face 104C of the component310A1, the top face 102 of the center third of the component 310C1 matesto the cap 20, and the top face 102 of the tall interlocking element 204of component 310C1 mates to the bottom face 104A of the component 310B1.Additionally, the short planar inner face 106A of the component 310C1mates to the short angled inner face 112 of component 310A1, the tallplanar inner face 106B of the component 310C1 mates to the tall angledinner face 110 of the component 310B1, the ridge 122 of the shortinterlocking element 202 of component 310C1 engages with the groove 206Cof component 310A1, and the ridge 122 of the tall interlocking element204 of component 310C1 engages with the groove 206A of component 310B1.

Next, the assembly of the erected extendable structure 30 continues withthe component 310A2, 310B2, 310C2, 310A3, and so on until the desiredheight of the erected extendable structure 30 is reached. Component310A2 is the first interlocking component 10 that is not in contact withthe cap 20 as the top face of 310A2 mates with thirds of bottom faces of310A1, 310B1, and 310C1. Although, in the illustrated embodiment, theextendable structure 30 is extended in a vertical direction, theorientation of the extendable structure 30 may be vertical, horizontal,diagonal, or any direction in between. Further, the interlockingcomponents of the extendable structure 30 could be designed that thebottom surface of the extendable structure 30 is substantially flat(similar to the top in this embodiment) and the top has varying levels(similar to the bottom in this embodiment). The faces, ridges, andgrooves of the interlocking components would be inverted to changeorientation, but these changes are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In some embodiments, the interlocking component 10 may be formed ofseparate parts rather than a single component as illustrated. Forexample, the interlocking component 10 may comprise an outer portionwith the outer face 108 and the hinges 114 and 116 and an inner portioncomprising the inner faces 106, 110, 112 and the channel 118. Thismulti-part configuration may allow for a reduction of cost, weight,and/or an increase in strength.

Further, the interlocking component 10 may comprise conductive materialsand may be used to conduct electricity up and down the extendablestructure 30. For example, each of the three chains of interlockingcomponents 310A, 310B, and 310C could be or could contain a power, aground, a neutral, or a transmission line. In some other embodiments,the chains 310A, 310B, and 310C may each comprise a single, continuouspiece of flexible material instead of a plurality of interlockingcomponents.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate perspective views of an interlockingcomponent 40 according to another embodiment wherein the outer face ofthe interlocking component 40 is rounded or curved. Details regardingthis embodiment that are similar to those for the previously describedembodiment will not be repeated herein.

The interlocking component 40 may include a top face 502, a bottom face504 (including 504A, 504B, and 504C), a planar inner face 506 (includinga short planar inner face 506A and a tall planar inner face 506B), anouter face 508, a side face 520, a tall angled inner face 510, a firstshort angled inner face 512A, and a second short angled inner face 512B.The faces mate in a similar manner as described in the previousembodiment except this embodiment includes the side face 520 which mateswith the second short angled inner face 512B and the short planar innerface 506A mates with the first short angled inner face 512A (see FIG.6B). A ridge 522 is at the intersection between the planar inner faces506 and the top face 502 with corresponding grooves 606A and 606B (seeFIG. 6B) at the intersection between the angled inner faces 510 and 512and the bottom faces 504A and 504C. The ridge 522 and the matchinggrooves 606A and 606B served to lock the interlocking components to eachother (see FIGS. 7A through 7D).

The hinges top and bottom hinges 514 and 516 and the channel 518 may besimilar to the top and bottom hinges 114 and 116 and the channel 118described above and the descriptions are not repeated herein.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F illustrate a top view, a bottom view, aside view, a side view, a front view, and a back view of theinterlocking component 40 according to an embodiment. The interlockingcomponent 40 has a functional height H₄ as illustrated in FIG. 6C as thedistance between the top face 502 and the bottom face 504B of theinterlocking component 40. In an embodiment, the interlocking component40 may have an overall height H₅ that is greater than the functionalheight H₄.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D illustrate a perspective view, a top view, abottom view, and a side view, respectively, of an extendable structure60 in a partially erected configuration according to an embodiment.Details regarding this embodiment that are similar to those for thepreviously described embodiment will not be repeated herein.

The extendable structure 60 comprises a cap 50 attached to three chains710A, 710B, and 710C of interlocking components 40 with each chaincomprising a plurality of interlocking components 40. The extendablestructure 60 may include a base 70 (see FIGS. 8A through 8E) and may beerected similar to the previous embodiment.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D illustrate a perspective view, a top view, abottom view, and a side view of a base 70 according to an embodiment.FIG. 8E illustrates the extendable structure 60 with the base 70 at thetrailing end (end opposite the cap 50) of the extendable structure 60.The base may be used to align the interlocking components 40 of thechains 710 so that they interlock. It may have four openings; threeopenings 812A, 812B, and 812C that allow the chains 710 to be input andthe fourth opening 810 is an output to allow the erected extendablestructure 60 (see FIG. 8E) to extend out from the base. In operation theextendable structure may both extend and retract. In some embodiments,the interlocking components 40 may lock into place during extension suchthat the extendable structure 60 is not able to retract. Duringretraction, the chains 710 may extend from the inputs 812 and theerected extendable structure 60 may be input into the output 810. In anembodiment, the output opening 810 may surround and be proximate to theouter faces 508 of the erected extendable structure 60 in order toprovide support for the erected extendable structure 60. In someembodiments, the base 70 can be extended further up the erectedextendable structure 60 to provide additional stability, but this maycause an increase to the height of the extendable structure 60 in alowered configuration (see FIGS. 3A through 3D and 7D).

The base 70 may also allow for a method of attaching the extendablestructure 60 to another object. The method of attaching the base 70would depend on the application, but could be numerous methodsincluding, welding, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, the like, or acombination thereof. Another purpose of the base 70 is to provide thepower source to extend and retract the extendable structure 60. Theaforementioned threaded faces on the outer faces 508 or the channel 518of the extendable structure 60 may be driven by a threaded collar orscrew. The method of driving the screw or collar, the gear arrangement,and the gearing ratio are all chosen per application using standarddesign criteria. The base 70 may provide storage for the unlockedchains, such as coiling the chains 710. In some embodiments, both thechannel 518 and the outer faces 508 may be threaded. In thoseembodiments, for example, the threaded channel 518 may allow forextension and retraction of the extendable structure 60 while thethreaded outer faces 508 allow for movement of attached devices up anddown the extendable structure 60. In some embodiments, the interiorand/or exterior faces may have features other than threads, such asholes that could be used to secure or lock the structure at a specifiedheight.

FIGS. 9A through 9D illustrate perspective views of an interlockingcomponent according to another embodiment wherein the interlockingcomponent is configured to be assembled into an extendable structure 100with four chains (see FIGS. 10A through 10H). Details regarding thisembodiment that are similar to those for the previously describedembodiment will not be repeated herein.

The interlocking component in FIGS. 9A through 9D may have an outer face901, inner faces 903A and 903B, an upper hinge 909, a lower hinge 912, achannel 908 laterally between the inner faces 903A and 903B, curved topface 911 laterally between curved upper faces 904A and 904B, curvedlower faces 907A and 907B, planar lower face 906 laterally betweencurved lower faces 907A and 907B, inner side faces 905A and 905B, andouter side faces 902A and 902B.

When connected in a chain 910 (see FIGS. 10A through 10H) upper hinge912 will align with the lower hinge 912 of the interlocking componentabove. The outer side faces 902A and 902B of each interlocking componentin the chain 910 will be flush with the other interlocking components inthe chain 910.

FIGS. 9E, 9F, 9G, 9H, 9I, and 9J illustrate a top view, a bottom view, aside view, a front view, a side view, and a back view of theinterlocking in FIGS. 9A through 9D according to an embodiment. Theinterlocking component has a functional height H₇ as illustrated in FIG.9G as the distance between centers of the top hinge 909 and the bottomhinge 912 of the interlocking component. In an embodiment, theinterlocking component may have an overall height H₈ that is greaterthan the functional height H₇.

FIGS. 10A through 10H illustrate various views of an extendablestructure 100 with a cap 90 and chains 910 linked to the cap. The fourchain extendable structure 100 comprises four chains 910 of identicalinterlocking components that link at a cap. The four chains are labeled910A, 910B, 910C, and 910D and are in order when viewed from above in aclockwise direction. The chain 910A is the chain that is highest up onthe cap 90. In an embodiment, the four chain extendable structure 100has ½ height increments between corresponding faces of adjacentinterlocking components. Due to these increments, the order ofinterlocking components being joined to the extendable structure is fromchains 910A and 910C simultaneously followed by chains 910B and 910Dsimultaneously, so on until the desired height of the extendablestructure 100 is reached. In another embodiment, the corresponding facesof the adjacent interlocking components may increment down in ¼ heightincrements, and in this embodiment the interlocking components would bejoined to the extendable structure from chains 910A, 910B, 910C, and910D sequentially until the desired height of the extendable structure100 is reached.

When assembled to make the extendable structure 100, the chains will beconnected to a cap, or otherwise held together at the top by othermeans. The chains 910A, 910B, 910C, and 910D will join to form anextendable structure 100. The upper curved surfaces 904A and 904B ofchain 910A mate to the lower curved surfaces 907A and 907B ofinterlocking components of adjacent chains. The face 904A of chain 910Amates to the face 907B of chain 910B and face 904B of chain 910A matesto face 907A of chain 910D. Additionally, the inner face 903A mates ofchain 910A mates to 905B of chain 910B and face 903B of chain 910A toface 905B of chain 910B. The threaded faces of all the chains cometogether to form a relatively continuous surface for which to drive theextension and/or retraction of the extendable structure 100. The faces901, 902A, and 902B make up the external sides of the extended structure100.

FIGS. 11A through 11D illustrate perspective views of an interlockingcomponent according to an embodiment. The interlocking component inFIGS. 11A through 11J is for a five chain extendable structure 130. Inthis embodiment, the interlocking component has a ⅖ step down to theright. The interlocking component has an outer face 1101, lower innerfaces 1104A and 1104B, upper inner faces 1103A and 1103B, an upper hinge1105, a lower hinge 1106, an upper curved faces 1107A and 1107B, aninternal threaded surface 1108, lower faces 1109A and 1109B, bottom face1111 laterally between 1109A and 1109B, a top face 1110, a channel 1108,and outer side faces 1102A and 1102B.

When linked in a chain the upper hinge 1105 of the lower interlockingcomponent will be inserted into the lower hinge 1106 of the interlockingcomponent above. When linked and assembled into an extended structure,the top face 1110 of the lower interlocking component mates to thebottom face 1111 of the upper interlocking component and the outer faces1101, 1102A, and 1102B may be flush.

FIGS. 11E, 11F, 11G, 11H, 11I, and 11J illustrate a top view, a bottomview, a side view, a front view, a side view, and a back view of theinterlocking in FIGS. 11A through 11D according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 12A through 12D and 13A through 13E illustrate various views of anextendable structure 130 with a cap 110 and chains 120 linked to the cap110. The five chain extendable structure 130 comprises five chains ofidentical interlocking components that are linked to the cap 110. Thechains are labeled 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, and 120E are in order whenviewed from above in a clockwise direction. The chain 120A is the chainthat is highest up on the cap 110. The design of the interlockingcomponent may vary based on the vertical distance the adjacent blockshould be offset or incremented. The offset or increment may be anymultiple of the inverse to the number of chains. In the current exampleof five chains, the adjoining chain to the right may be 1/5, 2/5, 3/5,4/5, or 5/5 of the functional height lower than the current interlockingcomponent. It is worth noting that 1/5 lower to the right is the same as4/5 lower to the left, so 1/5 and 4/5 and 2/5 and 3/5 are similar exceptthat the extendable structure would have either a clockwise orcounterclockwise twist. In the current embodiment, the five chaininterlocking component increments down in 2/5 increments. Due to thisincrement, the order of interlocking components being joined to form theextendable structure 130 is from chains 120A, 120C, 120E, 120B, 120D,and so on until the desired height of the extendable structure 130 isreached.

When assembled to make the extendable structure 130, the chains 120 maybe connected to a cap, or otherwise held together, at the top by othermeans. The chains 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, and 120E will join to form anextendable structure 130. The upper curved faces 1107 of chain 120A mateto the lower curved faces 1109 of the adjacent chains. For example, thefaces 1107A of chain 120A mates to faces 1109B of chain 120B and face1107B of chain 120 mates to 1109A of chain 120E. Additionally, the innerfaces 1103A and 1104A of chain 120A mate to 1104B and 1103B,respectively, of chain 120B. The inner faces 1103B and 1104B of chain120A mate to 1104A and 1103A, respectively, of chain 120E. The threadedfaces of all the chains join to form a relatively continuous surface forwhich to drive the extension, and/or retraction of the extendablestructure 130. The outer faces 1101, 1102A, and 1102B make up theexternal sides of the extended structure 130.

The number of interlocking components 10 and 40, the number of chains310 and 710, and the number of hinges 114, 116, 514, and 516 are onlyfor illustrative purposes and are not limiting. There could be any othernumber interlocking components in a chain that is more or less than thenumber of interlocking components illustrated. There may be any othernumber of chains per extendable structure other than the three chainsper extendable structure illustrated. For example, there may be seven,eight, nine, ten, or even fifteen chains per extendable structure. Infact, there may be any number of chains.

Advantages of increasing the number of chains are, for example, greaterflexibility with the design of the outer surface of the extendedstructure. Also, the width and depth of the interlocking components maybe reduced for a given extendable structure diameter.

A consideration when designing an extendable structure with a differentnumber of chains is how much of the height to step down from oneadjacent chain to the next. The increments may be 1/x for a componentcomprising x number of chains. It has been found that an incrementclosest to ⅓ would be a good starting point. The ⅓ increment dispersesthe seams along the extended structure which, when not dispersed, couldserve as a weak point. Additionally, the ⅓ increment allows for theminimal interference of a component being joined into the extendedstructure by the adjacent chains.

The disclosed extendable structure comprising the disclosed interlockingcomponents provides a continuous and uniform exterior. Also, the maximumheight of the extendable structure is only limited by the number ofinterlocking components linked together. Further, the system or methodof extending and retracting the extendable structure is flexible andthus may allow the extendable structure to be used in applicationsunsuitable for other extendable structures.

Although the present embodiments and their advantages have beendescribed in detail, it should be understood that various changes,substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appendedclaims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intendedto be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine,manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods, and steps describedin the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readilyappreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing orlater to be developed, that perform substantially the same function orachieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure.Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within theirscope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,means, methods, or steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. An extendable structure comprising: a first chainof interlocking components comprising a first interlocking component; asecond chain of interlocking components comprising a second interlockingcomponent configured to mate to a bottom surface the first interlockingcomponent; and a third chain of interlocking components comprising athird interlocking component configured to mate to bottom surfaces ofthe first interlocking component and the second interlocking component.2. The extendable structure of claim 1, wherein each of the first chain,the second chain, and the third chain comprises three or moreinterlocking components.
 3. The extendable structure of claim 1 furthercomprising: a fourth chain of interlocking components comprising afourth interlocking component configured to mate to a bottom surface ofat least one of the first interlocking component, the secondinterlocking component, and the third interlocking component.
 4. Theextendable structure of claim 3 further comprising: a fifth chain ofinterlocking components comprising a fifth interlocking componentconfigured to mate to a bottom surface of at least one of the firstinterlocking component, the second interlocking component, the thirdinterlocking component, and the fourth interlocking component.
 5. Theextendable structure of claim 1, wherein the first chain of interlockingcomponents further comprises a fourth interlocking component linked tothe first interlocking component, the fourth interlocking componentconfigured to mate to the first, the second, and the third interlockingcomponents.
 6. The extendable structure of claim 5, wherein the fourthinterlocking component is linked to the first interlocking component bya hinge.
 7. The extendable structure of claim 5, wherein the firstinterlocking component and the fourth interlocking component comprise acontinuous piece of flexible material.
 8. The extendable structure ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first, the second, and the thirdinterlocking components comprises at least six faces.
 9. The extendablestructure of claim 1 further comprising a cap, the first, second, andthird interlocking components being linked to the cap, and the first,second, and third interlocking components being configured to mate to abottom surface of the cap.
 10. The extendable structure of claim 1further comprising a threaded channel extending through the first, thesecond, and the third interlocking components, wherein each of thefirst, the second, and the third interlocking components comprises aportion of the threaded channel.
 11. A method of erecting an extendablestructure, the method comprising: joining a first interlocking componentto a cap, the joining the first interlocking component comprising:mating a top face and planar inner faces of the first interlockingcomponent to the cap; joining a second interlocking component to the capand the first interlocking component, the joining the secondinterlocking component comprising: mating a top face of the secondinterlocking component to bottom faces of the cap and the firstinterlocking component; mating planar inner faces of the secondinterlocking component to the cap and to angled inner faces of the firstinterlocking component; and joining a third interlocking component tothe cap, the first interlocking component, and the second interlockingcomponent, the joining the third interlocking component comprising:mating a top face of the third interlocking component to bottom faces ofthe cap, the first interlocking component, and the second interlockingcomponent; and mating planar inner faces of the third interlockingcomponent to angled inner faces of the first and the second interlockingcomponents.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first, the second,and the third interlocking components are identical to each other. 13.The method of claim 11 further comprising: joining a fourth interlockingcomponent to the first interlocking component, the second interlockingcomponent, and the third interlocking component, the joining the fourthinterlocking component comprising: mating a top face of the fourthinterlocking component to bottom faces of the first interlockingcomponent, the second interlocking component, and the third interlockingcomponent; mating planar inner faces of the fourth interlockingcomponent to angled inner faces of the second interlocking component andthe third interlocking component; joining a fifth interlocking componentto the second interlocking component, the third interlocking component,and the fourth interlocking component, the joining the fifthinterlocking component comprising: mating the top face of the fifthinterlocking component to bottom faces of the second interlockingcomponent, the third interlocking component, and the fourth interlockingcomponent; mating planar inner faces of the fifth interlocking componentto angled inner faces of the third interlocking component and the fourthinterlocking component; and joining a sixth interlocking component tothe third interlocking component, the fourth interlocking component, andthe fifth interlocking component, the joining the sixth interlockingcomponent comprising: mating a top face of the sixth interlockingcomponent to bottom faces of the third interlocking component, thefourth interlocking component, and the fifth interlocking component; andmating planar inner faces of the sixth interlocking component to angledinner faces of the fourth interlocking component and the fifthinterlocking component.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising:linking the first interlocking component and the fourth interlockingcomponent to form a first chain of interlocking components: linking thesecond interlocking component and the fifth interlocking component toform a second chain of interlocking components; and linking the thirdinterlocking component and the sixth interlocking component to form athird chain of interlocking components.
 15. The method of claim 13,wherein each of the first, the second, and the third interlockingcomponents comprises at least six faces.